Football Transfer Deals, Rumours And Titbits

we bring you current Football transfer gist, and done deals spiced with some football titbits as compiled by Our Man Paul Ayorinde

you can follow Paul on twitter: @El_Pauleta on twitter and also follow @NewFanzone and we will follow you right back, lets keep the discussion going.

Done Deals:

– Real Madrid have completed the signing of Keylor Navas from Levante on a six-year deal.

– Bayer Leverkusen have completed the signing of Kyriakos Papadopoulos on a season-long loan from Schalke 04

– Newcastle have announced the signing of Facundo Ferreyra on a season-long loan from Shakhtar Donetsk

– Melbourne city have completed the signing of former Hull city midfielder Robert Koren

– Oriol Romeu of Chelsea has joined Stuttgart on loan.

– Hamburg have announced the signing of Switzerland international Valon Behrami from Napoli for an undisclosed fee

– FC Porto striker Jackson Martinez has signed a contract extension at the club until 2017.

Arturo Vidal

Today’s report and rumours:

– According to reports in Spain, Arsenal have agreed a £20million fee with Real Madrid for Sami Khedira. Personal terms will now be discussed.

– Arturo Vidal’s move to Manchester United is looking imminent with bookmakers slashing odds on the deal.

– Javier Manquillo looks set to complete a 2 year loan move to Liverpool today.

– SS Lazio are reportedly closing in on Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar.

– Atletico Madrid midfielder Joshua Guilavogui is expected to finalize a move to Wolfsburg in the coming days

– According to reports, Juventus are eyeing up a bid for Olympiakos defender Kostas Manolas

– Borussia Dortmund forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has pledged his future the club despite reports linking him with a transfer away from Germany

– Sam Allardyce of West Ham is eager to bring Manchester United winger Wilfried Zaha, to West Ham on loan

– West Ham are believed to be lining up a move for Peter Crouch.

– Reports claim that PSG centre back Marquinhos has turned down an offer to join Fc Barcelona on loan. it is believed that He would rather join the catalan side on a permanent deal.

– Colombia international Mario Yepes has turned down an offer from Sampdoria and he is close to signing for Argentina side Independiente

– Reports in Italy are linking AC Milan striker Mario Ballotelli with a move to premier league side Liverpool.

– Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has dismissed speculations linking Liverpool with a move to bring Mario Balotelli

– According to reports in Spain, Angel Di Maria will be officially unveiled as a Paris- Saint Germain player this week

– Liverpool are reportedly closing in on a €20million deal to sign Sevilla left back Alberto Moreno

– Netherlands Winger Memphis Depay says that he is open to the prospect of leaving PSV Eindhoven this summer.

– Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is lining up a surprise swoop for Samuel Eto’o, according to the Cameroon striker’s agent.

– Manchester United will have to keep paying half of Marouane Fellaini’s £100,000-a-week wages if they want the midfielder to go out on loan to Napoli.

– West Ham are trying to lure Peter Crouch to Upton Park from Stoke city.

– Swansea defender Chico Flores is a transfer target for former Swans boss Michael Laudrup at Lekhwiya.

_ Loic Remy back is back with QPR following a failed move to Liverpool.

– Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is keeping tabs on German international defender Mats Hummels

– Norwich city striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel is close to signing for French club Saint Etienne

– According to reports in Italy claim Juventus are interested in Javier Hernandez and Nani, opening the door for a swap deal, with Arturo Vidal heading to Manchester United

Keylor Navas, photo credit

Football tit bits:
– Arsene Wenger is worried Manchester City’s policy of buying up clubs around the world could see them side-step financial fair-play regulations. “It is a surprise,” he said when asked about Lampard’s loan move.

“After the statements we hear it is a surprise but it looks like all of these ‘City’ clubs will feed the main club Man City — I heard they want to buy five clubs all over the world.

I don’t know the rules well enough but they brought a franchise for 100 million US dollars to play in the States to play next season.”He Said.

– Meanwhile Valencia have won the 2014 Emirates Cup, As Arsenal is beaten 1-0 by Monaco in their final game.

– Juventus and Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini has reiterated his belief that the four-month suspension handed to Luis Suarez was “excessive.”

– Visa and work permit delays prevent Nigeria’s Brown Ideye from him joining up with West Bromwich Albion team.

– Manchester United will battle Liverpool in the final of the Guinness International Champions Cup at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami. at stake is a million-dollars, and bragging rights as the eternal rivals go ahead to ahead once again.

Nigerian Sports Award Salutes Okagbare, Gov. Uduaghan

Blessing okagbare

The organizers of the Nigeria Spots Award (NSA), Unmissable Incentives Limited has commended the Nigeria Track and Field Queen, Blessing Okagbare for winning the 100m gold medal at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland and setting a new game record of 10.85 seconds.

Okagbare, who won the Track and Field Star and Sports Woman of the Year awards at the 2013 edition of the Nigeria Sports Awards, has been in fantastic form this year with an outstanding performance at the IAAF Diamond League and other competitions preceding the Commonwealth Games.

According to the General Manager, Unmissable Incentives Limited, Mr. Kayode Idowu, Blessing Okagbare has justified her place in history and also justified winning the Track and Field Star and the Sport Woman of the Year awards last year. She has also justified the investment of the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan led Delta State Government.

“We at Nigerian Sports Award are very proud to be associated with Blessing, we are proud of her achievement and with this achievement, Blessing has lent credence to the credibility of Nigerian sports Award” he said.

Kayode Idowu also commended the unrelentless effort of Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State for the scholarship and immense support for Blessing which has brought her this far.

He noted that with this incredible achievement by Blessing, the organizers of the Nigerian Sports Award has also vindicated on the Sports Governor of the Year award bestowed on Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in the 2013 edition of the Award.

He then urged Blessing to continue to give her best to win more gold medals in her other event at the Games while charging other Nigerian Athletes at the Commonwealth Games to put in their best in their respective games to win more medals for the country.

L-R-Mrs Bunmi Oke, President AAAN,Kola Oyeyemi,And Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan (Winner, Sport Governor of the year).

Golden Eaglets Settle Down In Abeokuta

Mko Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta

After two sessions at the Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola Stadium, the Golden Eaglets have settled down in Abeokuta ahead of their Under-17 African Championship qualifier against Congo DR this weekend.

The NFF had picked Abeokuta for the game due to the on-going renovation work at the U. J Esuene Stadium in Calabar and the team was whisked to the rock city in a seamless transition from Lagos upon their arrival from Kinshasa on Monday.

Now staying at the Intercontinental Suites, they had a brief session Monday evening to shake off jet lag after about 12-hour flight from Kinshasa via Nairobi to Lagos and resumed their routine training only on Tuesday.

“We have no problem playing here in Abeokuta in spite of the fact that our fans in Calabar would miss us,” said Prince Udofia, the team coordinator.

“In fact, we are gratefully to the Ogun State Football Association led by Alhaji Ganiu Majekodunmi who has ensured that all is well since our arrival here.”

golden Eaglets line up against Egypt in Cairo

Meanwhile, Abeokuta is home coming of sort for Golden Eaglets’ goalkeeper, Akpan Udoh.

Though hails from South-South in Akwa Ibom, Udoh has lived mostly in Ogun State-precisely in Ijebu-Remo. The former Under-13 goaltender attached to Remo Football Academy was one of the lads picked by Uplift Team- a project by Mrs. Olufunso Amosun – to tour Udinese last year.

“I’m happy to come back to Abeokuta particularly with the National Under-17 team,” said Udoh who was a silver medal winner for Ogun State at the 2013 chief of Naval Staff Cup.”

We are looking forward to a good game against Congo DR. and we are therefore, calling on the fans
to come and cheer us on Saturday.”

Latest Football Transfer Market News And Titbits

Jordan Ayew

In a Sharp contrast to sunday’s slow transfer market here are Paul Ayorinde’s Pick of Mondays Football transfer news and rumours making the rounds plus some football titbits

You can follow Paul Ayorinde on twitter: @El_Pauleta on twitter and also follow @NewFanzone and we will follow you right back, lets keep the discussion going.

Done Deals:

– Arsenal have signed 19 year old right-back Calum Chambers from Southampton for a fee around £16million.

– Lorient have signed Marseille forward Jordan Ayew on four-year deal

– Lazio have confirmed Feyenoord defender Stefan De Vrij has arrived in Rome to undergo a medical ahead of this move to the Stadio Olimpico.

– Brighton have completed the signing of goalkeeper David Stockdale from Fulham for an undisclosed fee.

– Everton have completed the signing of Bosnian international Muhammed Besic for £4million

– Real Sociedad have completed the signing of Esteban Granero from QPR on a four-year deal.

– Real Sociedad have announced they have reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid for the sale of Antoine Griezmann.

– Celtic have signed Norwegian international Jo Inge Berget on loan from Cardiff till January

– Standard liege have completed the signing of Tony Watt from Celtic for £1.2million

– Hull city have agreed a deal to sign Arsenal’s Carl Jerkinson.

– Hull city have also agreed a deal to sign Sheffield United defender Harry Maguire.

Calum Chambers, Arsenal

Today’s Reports and Rumours:

– West ham have joined QPR in the race to sign Gary Hooper from Norwich city

– According to reports, Southampton are close to signing Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry

– Swansea city Manager Gary Monk says Wilfred Bony will only be sold if an “astronomical” bid is put in by one of the top clubs.

– QPR manager Harry Redknapp says “Loic Remy will return to QPR. He’s a Fantastic striker”

– Aston Villa are keen on signing Chelsea Winger Victor Moses.

– Juventus are hoping to sign Fiorentina’s Stefan Savic in an exchange deal involving Mauricio Isla going the other way.

– Gus Poyet wants a face to face meeting with Fabio Borini to discuss why he is opposed to a move to Sunderland after Liverpool accepted a £14million bid for the striker.

– Tottenham right back Kyle Naughton is a subject of enquiry from Swansea city.

– Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria wants to join Manchester United as the £45m-rated Argentina international does not want to return to the Bernabeu and is frustrated by Paris St-Germain’s attempts to secure a loan deal.

– Former England manager Glenn Hoddle is in the frame to become Harry Redknapp’s new assistant at QPR following the departure of Wally Downes.

– Barcelona Boss Luis Enrique is determined to sign Juan Cuadrado from Fiorentina but face stiff opposition from Manchester United.

– QPR could make an audacious move for Hamburg midfielder Rafael van der Vaart.

– According to reports, Manchester United midfielder Marouanne Fellaini could be set for a move to Napoli

– Napoli are also believed to be keen on signing Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksson.

– Swansea city are keen on signing Almeria midfielder Ramon Azeez.

– Atletico Madrid are believed to be closing in on £24million rated Napoli forward Jose Callejon.

Football tit bits:

– A Spanish court will push ahead with prosecuting the Barcelona forward Lionel Messi for alleged tax evasion despite a recommendation from the public prosecutor the charges be dismissed.

– Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has apologized after a video of him singing a derogatory song about Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund was published on the internet.

– Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo matches Messi with third Goal 50 trophy. The award is handed out to the best player of the season, and both Ronaldo amd messi have now won it on three occasions.

– Rio Ferdinand: Giggs wanted me to stay at Manchester United: “Giggs and I had that chat when he got the job, he had to look at it as if he would still be there and he did tell me I would have stayed and been a part of his plans, But things change quickly, the new manager came in and wanted a new direction. I dusted myself down and moved on.” He said at his QPR unveiling.

Football Transfer News, Done Deals And Football Titbits

The transfer market is usually slow on Sundays But our man Paul as compiled the days transfer stories for you and of course some football titbits.

You can follow Paul Ayorinde on twitter: @El_Pauleta on twitter and also follow @NewFanzone and we will follow you right back, lets keep the discussion going.

Done Deal:

– Alejandro Arribas have completed his move to Sevilla on a two -year deal

– Hannover 96 has announced the signing of Austrian goalkeeper Robert Almer from Energie Cottbus on a one-year deal.

Arturo Vidal

Today’s Report and rumours:

– According to reports, Loic Remy deal to Liverpool is off, after failing a medical.

– Fulham striker Hugo Rodallega has admitted that he is hoping to complete a move to Argentina champions River plate this summer.

– Carlo Ancelloti have dismissed reports that Real Madrid are in for striker despite links to Radamel Falcao.

– Villareal are close to the signing of £10million rated Argentine Whiz kid Luciano Vietto

– Ac Milan Manager Pipo Inzaghi is keen on Napoli midfielder Blerim Dzemaili

– According to reports in the Netherlands, Lazio is the only club interested in signing Dutch World cup star defender Stefan De Vrij.

– Bayern Munich Manager Pep Guardiola is keen on signing free agent goalkeeper Victor Valdes as back up for Manuel Neuer

– Napoli are close to signing German World cup winning midfielder Christoph Kramer for €13million

– Sampdoria are close to signing Colombian international defender Mario Yepes.

– According to reports, Louis van Gaal has told the Manchester United board he needs five more players – and it will cost £100million.

– West Ham have launched a bid to sign Free agent Samuel Eto’o.

– Manchester United hope to wrap up the signing of Juventus’ Arturo Vidal this week after resurrecting their move for the Chilean.

– Hull City are close to signing Dundee United left back Andy Robertson.

– Jan Vertonghen insists he wants to remain at Tottenham and confirmed he has been offered a new five-year contract.

– Stephan El-Shaarawy’s agent insists the player will not leave AC Milan despite rumours linking him away from the club.

Football Tit bits:

– Bayern Munich Chairman Karl Heinz- Rummenigge has assured Pep Guardiola is job is safe. “Bayern are never going to sack Pep Guardiola, I can even put that in writing for you” He said

– Jack Wilshere admits it was “unacceptable” for him to smoke on holiday in Las Vegas after reportedly being warned by Arsene Wenger that he risks throwing away his career. “I’m young and I’ll learn from it. I realize the consequences it has and the effect on kids growing up. I have kids myself and I don’t want them growing up to think their dad smokes and it’s OK for a footballer to smoke because it’s not. It’s unacceptable and I will accept the consequences and I will move on.”

– After Budweiser pulled the plug on their two-year deal, FA Cup bosses are struggling to find a lead sponsor, because of England World cup disaster.

A 23-NATION MEDAL SPREAD AT 2014 WORLD ROWING UNDER 23 CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 2014 World Rowing Under 23 Championships in Varese, Italy began with a large and enthusiastic field of 800 athletes and ended with the new 2014 under-23 World Champions being crowned. The performances showed why these are the best under-23 athletes in the world.

At the end of two days of finals gold medals were spread among 23 nations, with both New Zealand and the United States earning three golds each. For New Zealand they came in the lightweight women’s double sculls, men’s eight and women’s pair. The women’s pair of Grace Prendergast and Kerri Gowler completely dominated their final and set a new under-23 World Best Time – the only one set at this regatta.

The United States had gold medal success with Andrew Campbell in the lightweight men’s single sculls, the women’s eight and the women’s four. Campbell’s win saw him defend his 2013 title with the women’s eight also successfully defending their title.

The women’s single sculls had senior World Champion from the women’s double sculls, Milda Valciukaite of Lithuania, dominating her race and finishing just a fraction of a second outside of the under-23 World Best Time. Former junior, Sara Magnaghi of Italy, was the popular silver medallist with Germany’s Anne Beenken earning bronze.

Spain and Turkey both had medal success. Spain earned a gold medal in the lightweight men’s four, beating Great Britain and the 2013 under-23 World Champions, Italy, to the line while Turkey’s Enes Kusku earned silver in the lightweight men’s single sculls.

A number of these athletes will now join their nation’s senior team in preparation for the 2014 World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam (NED) at the end of August. These include Ilse Paulis of the Netherlands who won the lightweight women’s single sculls.

Overall New Zealand topped the medals table with a total count of six from the 21 boat classes. The United States was second with five total medals and Italy came through in third with seven medals, two of them gold.

The next World Rowing event will be the World Rowing Junior Championships to be held in Hamburg (GER) starting 6 August 2014.

To relive the World Rowing Under 23 Championships action visit http://www.worldrowing.com for full results, race reports and photos.

Football Transfer Market News And Titbits

Kevin Strootman – photo credit asroma.it

The transfer market has been very busy today and so as our man Paul, and here are Friday’s transfer stories and some football titbits.

You can follow Paul on twitter: @El_Pauleta on twitter and also follow @NewFanzone and we will follow you right back, lets keep the discussion going.

Done Deals:
– Arsenal have completed the signing of goalkeeper David Ospina from French Ligue1 side Nice for a fee believed to be around 3.5 million pounds

– Sunderland have completed the signing of left back Patrick van Aanholt from Chelsea.

– Toulouse have announced the signing of versatile 21-year-old defender Marcel Tisserand From Monaco on a season-long loan.

– Sporting Lisbon have confirmed the signing of 20-year old defender Mouhamadou-Naby Sarr from Lyon on a six-year deal.

– Bastia have confirmed the signing of Alphonse Areola from Paris Saint- Germain on a season-long loan.

David Ospina – photo credit FIFA

Today’s Report and Rumours:

– According to reports, Atlético Madrid have reached a deal with Real Sociedad to sign Antoine Griezmann for €30 million.

– VFL Wolfsburg are close to signing Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku for €25million

– Inter are preparing to offer midfielder Fredy Guarin in exchange for Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez.

– Dimitri Payet insists that he is determined to stay and fight for his place at Marseille after snubbing an offer from Swansea City.

– West Ham are plotting a swoop for Portuguese international Striker Hugo Almeida

– According to reports, Nicolas Anelka is in talks with Standard Liege over a possible one-year contract.

– Louis van Gaal has refused to rule out a move for injured Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman

– Roma boss Rudi Garcia says Manchester United must bid €100m if they want to land Kevin Strootman

– Porto are leading the race to sign £4m rated Montpellier midfielder Benjamin Stambouli

– Arsenal are close to signing Southampton right-back Callum Chambers for £16million

– Manchester United are back in the race for £45 million Argentinian Angel di Maria.

– According to reports,Liverpool have made a £14.2m bid for Bayern Munich’s Swiss winger Xherdan Shaqiri.

– Southampton want to keep hold of France midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin and will tell Tottenham and Arsenal they need to pay in excess of £27m if they want him.

Football tit bits:

– Adam Lallana injured his knee in training and will miss up to six weeks of action, Liverpool confirmed on Friday

– South Africa appoints Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba as Bafana Bafana coach….This is the fourth time he will be coaching the South African team.

– Chelsea Boss Jose Mourinho claims he pulled out of a bid to sign Luke Shaw this summer because his wage demand would have “killed” the club.

– Nottingham Forest are poised to announce a sponsorship deal with the Kuwaiti government which will see their home ground become the Kuwait City Ground stadium

Africa Queens Land In Mexico For FIVB World Grand Prix

The national women volleyball team arrived in Mexico City Tuesday evening after a 27-hour journey from Nairobi.

The team is one of the two African representatives – alongside Algeria – for the opening leg of the 2014 FIVB Grand Prix at the Olympic Hall starting on Friday.

The contingent departed Nairobi on Monday at 7pm for an eight hour flight to Amsterdam, from where the team was forced to wait for another eight hours for a connecting flight to the Central American nation.

Thereafter, the squad boarded another flight at the Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam at 2pm for a 12-hour journey that saw them arrive in Mexico City on Tuesday at 6pm (Wednesday 2am – Kenyan time), before going through another grueling one-hour checking out process.

“The journey was okay but very tiresome, thankfully we have some adequate time to recover and even prepare for the opening match against Mexico,” Kenya coach David Lung’aho told Nation Sport.

Kenya is pooled alongside hosts Mexico, Algeria, Bulgaria and Kazakhstan in the five-day tournament. All the participating teams have already arrived in Mexico for the event.

Kenya team with the 2013 African Nations VOLLEYBALL Cup

“This is our World Cup, and so we are here to do Kenya and the entire continent proud,” team captain Blackcides Agala said.

While on transit, the reigning African champions displayed commendable unity and team spirit cracking jokes and bonding in a way that probably highlights their successful returns on the continent.

The team had successful training sessions in Mexico to prepare for the tournament opening against host Mexico.

CAVB web site: http://www.cavb.org

Twitter: CAVB Tweets

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAVBVolleyball

YouTube: CAVB Video

Instagram: CAVB_ volleyball

By David Kwalimwa

ISAF Youth Match Race Worlds Action Heats Up In Helsinki

race arena

The ISAF Youth Match Racing World Championship on water action matched the warm climate as the competition heated up on the second day in Helsinki, Finland.

Temperatures in Helsinki reached a new summer high but that not did stop the on-water action with 12 more flights completed. The situation is incredibly tight ahead of the last ten flights.

The day commenced at 09:45 local time with one flight in a dying breeze. As the wind filled in, racing resumed at 11:45 with a 10-11 knot breeze ensuring fair racing across the remaining flights.

Joachim Aschenbrenner (DEN) is sitting with level with Sam Gilmour (AUS) on 8-2 at the top, matching each other blow for blow. Overnight leader Nevin Snow (USA) sits on eight points but counts three losses.

The trio are followed by Mark Lees (GBR) at 7-2 and Valerio Galati (ITA), Pierre Quiroga (FRA) and Chris Steele (NZL) on 7-3.

One notable thing about the regatta thus far is the comments from the Umpires and Race Committee about the behaviour of the young sailors. Cool, calm and composed heads ensures that match racing is truly a gentleman’s sport in the youth division.

The racing continues on Friday at 09:30 local time. The forecast is for similar conditions with a lot of sun and heat, but luckily also some wind.

jibing action

2014 ISAF Youth Match Racing World Championship Results:

Joachim Aschenbrenner, DEN 8-2
Sam Gilmour, AUS 8-2
Nevin Snow, USA 8-3
Mark Lees, GBR 7-2
Valerio Galati, ITA 7-3
Pierre Quiroga, FRA 7-3
Chris Steele, NZL 7-3
Nelson Mettraux, SUI 5-5
Tyler Rice, ISV 5-6
Markus Ronnberg, FIN 4-5
Philip Bendon, IRL 4-6
Jakob Klitte, SWE 3-7
Slawomir Plichta, POL 1-8
Florian Haufe, GER 1-9
Vladislav Abramov, RUS 0-11

RESILIENT ANGELS PROGRESS TO SEMIS

Rivers Angels defeated their South-South counterpart, Bayelsa Queens 2-1 to progress to the semi finals of the Federation Cup.

Gabrielle Ndengue opened scoring for Bayelsa Queens in the 33rd minute in this game decided at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure. Her fantastic effort from more than 30yards sailing past Charity John in goal for the Angels.

A persistent Angels team, playing without the inspirational Asisat Oshoala who is on her way to Canada to feature for the Falconets at the FIFA U-20 Women World Cup eventually got an equalizer six minutes before the break.

Sherifat Saheed’s pass was dummied by Soma Oraegbuam, allowing Lola Philips to bury the ball home. Honours were even at the interval and it remained same till the 74th minute when after a sustained period of pressure, Mercy Amanze fired home what turned out to be the winner from outside the penalty box.

Rivers Angels head coach, Edwin Okon says they are on course to defend their title.

“I don’t consider any team as a small team. On no occasion have I said I will demolish Bayelsa Queens, said Okon”.

“We are the defending champions and our expectation is to win the FA Cup and retain it in subsequent editions, he said”.

Rivers Angels will face Delta Queens in the semi-final in Abuja.

Hottest Football Transfer News And Titbits

Here’s Paul Ayorinde’s pick of trending Football Transfer news from across the globe just for you
You can follow Paul on twitter: @El_Pauleta on twitter and also follow @NewFanzone and we will follow you right back, lets keep the discussion going.

Done Deals:
– Swansea city signs Ecuador winger Jefferson Montero on a four-year deal.

– Chelsea Forward Lucas Piazon has joined Eintracht Frankfurt on a season long loan

– Official: Frank lampard joins New York City FC on a free transfer.

– Alejandro Puzuelo has joined Rayo Vallencano from Swansea city for an undisclosed fee

Today’s Report and Rumours:

– Burnley have joined the race to sign striker Troy Deeney but Watford are holding out for £10million

– West ham are ready to offload Ravel Morrison because the midfielder is not in Sam Allardyce’s plan.

– Inter Milan are said to have agreed personal terms with Southampton striker Pablo Osvaldo

– QPR coach Harry Redknapp is reportedly keen on bringing Samuel Eto’o to Loftus Road.

– Tottenham are set to make a cash plus Lewis Holtby on loan offer in order to secure the signing of Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar

– Arsenal have told Atletico Madrid they will have to pay £15million to sign Santi Cazorla

– Manchester United are favorites to sign Colombian star Juan Cuadrado after Bayern Munich ended their pursuit in the £30million rated Fiorentina man

– Arsenal are set to submit an offer to Hoffenheim for 22-year old attacker Roberto Firmino.

– Everton are close to signing Bosnian midfielder Muhammed Besic

– Crystal Palace are keen on signing Marseille midfielder Morgan Amalfitano, who spent last season on loan at West Brom.

– Liverpool are battling to resurrect an £8million deal for Chelsea left back Ryan Betrand

– QPR have had a £5million bid for Leroy Fer rejected by championship side Norwich city

– Manchester city have made enquiries about the availability of Real Madrid midfielder Isco

– According to reports, Monaco Striker Radamel Falcao is on the verge of joining Real Madrid on a season long loan

– According to reports, James Rodriquez cost Real Madrid more than €90million,which they didn’t reveal

Football tit bits:

– Luis Suarez could make his debut for Barcelona against arch rivals Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. The date of the first “el clasico” of the season is set for the weekend for the weekend of October 25-26;on the Sunday the Uruguayan’s four month suspension comes to an end.

– Mexican Javier Aguirre has been appointed as the new coach of Japan.

– Louis van Gaal was impressed after his first game in charge of Manchester United ended in a comprehensive 7-0 win over LA Galaxy. “It is fantastic how they have performed today, when you see us train, you can expect something but not 7-0.It was a surprise but they were beautiful goals and beautiful attack” van Gaal said.

– Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has told goalkeepers Thibaut Courtois and Petr Cech that they will both be staying at the club whether they like it or not.

– Since James Rodriquez signed for Real Madrid, the club has already sold £20million worth of ‘James’ shirt worldwide.

2014 Commonwealth Games: Toriola Is Team Nigeria’s Captain As Nigeria Tackles Kenya, India In Table Tennis

One of Africa’s most decorated table tennis player, Segun Toriola has been named as captain of Team Nigeria to the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Toriola, who is making hIS fourth appearance at the games having made his first appearance at the 2002 Manchester Games, HE will be in charge of the 127-man contingent representing Nigeria at the 11-day multi-sports tournament.

The Director General, National Sports Commission (NSC), Gbenga Elegbeye made the announcement at the Games’ Village in Glasgow, adding that Toriola was picked because he is the most experienced athlete in the team coupled with his dedication and patriotism to his country.

Also acknowledging Toriola’s among the Commonwealth nations, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has lauded the former Africa champion alongside New Zealand’s Lee Chunli, after they both won the first gold medals a the games during the maiden outing of table tennis at the Commonwealth games in Manchester 2002.

According to ITTF Publications Director, Ian Marshall, Toriola caused major upsets at the Manchester Games when he accounted for Canada’s Johnny Huang loss to clinch gold in the men’s singles, while Lee Chunli using her traditional Asian pen-hold grip style of play to great effect, attacked like fury to beat Singapore’s Lee Jiawei.

“Furthermore, both Toriola and Chunli, the champions 12 years ago will once again be in action. In Glasgow, Toriola lines up alongside Aruna Quadri, Ojo Onaolapo, Bode Abiodun and Jide Ogidiolu; Li Chunli joins forces with sister Karen Li, Annie Yang, Jenny Hung and Sun Yang who also doubles as player coach. A mere 27 years old at the time of his Manchester victory, we expected to see Toriola appear again,” Marshall said.

“In Manchester, in addition to his Men’s Singles title, Toriola joined forces with Kazeem Noziru, Monday Merotohun and Suraju Saka (now of Congo Brazzaville) to secure bronze in the Men’s Team event.

Four years later in Melbourne, Australia, he added to his medal tally by winning Men’s Doubles gold with Merotohun, whilst also securing bronze in the Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles events,” he added.

Meanwhile, Nigeria will on Thursday begin its campaign in the team event of table tennis as the Funke Oshonaike-led women team tackle Kenya and India in their group D matches of the competition.

The last group game for the team holds on Friday when Nigeria takes on Barbados to decide the two top teams that will progress to the knockout stage.

The men’s team has been drawn alongside Bangladesh, Mauritius and Kiribati with the team clashing against Bangladesh and Mauritius on Thursday while the last group game will be against Kiribati on Friday.